14 Scientifically Proven Ways to Feel Happier

Raise your hand if you enjoy having a bad day. Anybody? No? Me neither. It looks like everyone wants to be happy. With the busy, hectic lives we live in this modern age, it sometimes feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day for the things that bring us joy. Fortunately, we don’t have to reach far to find plenty of scientifically proven, simple methods of bringing a little more happiness to our lives. Here’s a short list of fourteen methods to practice self-care.

1. Get Enough Sleep

We’ve all had those days: bleary-eyed, sluggish, practically dragging ourselves through the workday because our energy levels are so low. The effects of not sleeping enough can be obvious, but the truth is that very few Americans actually get enough sleep. Most people can benefit from another 60-90 minutes of rest. In addition to affecting our overall happiness levels, a little more sleep can improve your concentration, immune system, and even lower the risk of dying in an accident.

4. Hydrate!

Did you know your body mostly consists of water? Maybe that’s why drinking it can help improve your mood. I know, this one sounds almost too good to be true. Water is basically FREE! Still, a 2015 study of college-age women showed that drinking more water was correlated with higher levels of happiness, as well as lower levels of tension, depression, and confusion.

5. Cook Yourself a Delicious Meal

Some would argue that the finished product of cooking is its own reward. Hey, I’m not going to argue that a fresh batch of cupcakes isn’t a delight, but there’s more to it than that. A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that creative pursuits, like cooking, can have a big impact on our emotional health.

6. Have a Drink

Okay, before you blow up the comments section, I’m not encouraging anyone to go out and get rip-roaring drunk every night. As with most things, the key is moderation. That said, there’s a lot of good evidence that having an occasional drink is good for the soul. Don’t feel bad about sharing that bottle of wine with a few friends. In fact, feel great about it!

7. Hang Out with Friends

Did somebody say wine? Whether you’re drinking or not, the immediate benefits of being around your friends are obvious. There are some surprising hidden bonuses, too: their happiness is contagious, they improve our health, they make us feel more optimistic, and literally help us live longer. Yes, that’s all proven!

8. Save Some Money

We’ve all felt buyers remorse, that sinking sensation that our big, new purchase isn’t going to make us as happy as we thought. I’ve got good news, though: the opposite is also true. There have been boatloads of studies showing that saving our money improves our happiness. It’s not that tough, either. Check out this list of Ten Thing I Stopped Buying to Save Money. (self-link)

9. Get a Cat. Pet a Cat. Love a Cat.

Ah, the joy of stroking a soft, purring bundle of fur and love is known to many. Studies have shown the feline kind also help fill our need for companionship, help us sleep better, and make us happy in a surprising number of ways. Dog people, please chime in the comments, because dogs rule, too.

11. Visit the Great Outdoors

Hiking enthusiasts can tell you all about the feelings of euphoria they get when they’re deep in the wilderness. Sure, some of that is from the exercise involved, but you don’t need to go on a twelve-hour backpacking trek through the unknown to cash in on those feelings of goodness. A Finnish study showed that even 15 minutes of sitting in a park or forest can help us feel psychology restored.

13. Get Off the Internet

Sure, I want you to keep reading my blog 🙂 Like I said about alcohol, though, the key is moderation. There’s more and more research telling us that spending too much time playing with our phones, browsing social media, is just not great for our overall happiness.

Happiness is a key component to having a rich and fulfilling life. Whether you’re going through a little funk or you’re already feeling pretty good, giving yourself a little boost of joy is always a good thing. Hey, don’t take my word for it — science agrees!

I’d love to hear what my readers do to feel happier. Even if your particular method doesn’t have much (or any) research behind it, join the conversation below and help spread a little more goodness.

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